"After much consideration, I have accepted a senior staff position with our Senator-elect and will be resigning as Mayor of Jasper effective January 1, 2019," the mayor said in a statement released Thursday. " Elected officials, department leaders and my colleagues at City Hall were notified of my decision [Thursday].

State Senate Majority Leader Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) will convene a republican caucus by the end of the month to elect a replacement.

Any Jasper resident interested in filling the spot must contact Sen. Mark Messmer.

Councilwoman Nancy Eckerle has signaled her intention to seek the seat. Eckerle is also the president of the Jasper Chamber of Commerce.

Her fellow council-member, Kevin Manley has also expressed interest in the job, according to our media partner Matt Crane with the Free Press.

Manley is the President Pro-Tempore of the Jasper Common Council and the executive director of the Dubois County Visitors Center.

“Terry has done a phenomenal job as mayor of my hometown of Jasper. Under his leadership, Jasper was recently named the IndianaChamber of Commerce Community of the Year," Braun said in a statement shortly after the announcement was made. "Mayor Seitz’s skills as a leader and a passion for serving Hoosiers make him a tremendous asset I’m proud to have joining our team.”

You can read the mayor's full statement below.

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Date: December 13, 2018

Release Date: When receivedA letter to the citizens of Jasper from Mayor Terry Seitz:

2018 has been a year of monumental events for our community. From the dedication of The Parklands of Jasper to being named the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Community of the Year, there have been many significant moments. We also drew national attention with the election of Jasper businessman, Mike Braun, to the United States Senate.

This moment in time has provided a rare opportunity for me to consider a different approach topublic service.

After much consideration, I have accepted a senior staff position with our Senator-elect and will be resigning as Mayor of Jasper effective January 1, 2019. Electedofficials, department leaders and my colleagues at City Hall were notified of my decision today.

Senator-elect Braun issued a formal welcome today: “Terry has done a phenomenal job as mayor of my hometown of Jasper. Under his leadership, Jasper was recently named the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Community of the Year. Mayor Seitz’s skills as a leader and a passion for serving Hoosiers make him a tremendous asset I’m proud to have joining our team.”

It has been the highest honor to have served as your mayor for the last seven years. Waking up each morning knowing that I represented all the good this city offers has been an extraordinary experience. Along the way I’ve met many new friends, both here in Jasper and around the State of Indiana. Building upon these same friendships will be part of my work for Senator Braun.

A very talented City staff has been engaged in every step of the projects underway and planned in the City. This will not change. Let me assure you that, while I’ve played a role in what is happening in Jasper, this dynamic team deserves credit for all our accomplishments. We will continue to build upon the collaboration we have established in our region as a leading Indiana city and a city of leaders. Our future is in good hands.

Pursuant to state law, Jasper’s next mayor will be selected by a caucus of Republican Precinct Committee members to be convened by Dubois County Republican Chair, Mark Messmer.

My wife, Deena, and I offer our deepest gratitude for all the kindness and trust bestowed upon us over the years. Likewise, we are grateful for the opportunity to assist Senator-elect Braun as he begins his new journey. May God continue to bless Jasper!